4 Reasons to Consider Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Wisdom teeth are the third (farthest back) molars in your mouth. They typical begin to cut through the gums and appear when you’re a teenager or young adult. For most people, third molars aren’t necessary and don’t play a role when it comes to chewing. In fact, wisdom teeth can cause more harm than good in some situations. Here are some reasons you should strongly consider getting your wisdom teeth removed:
1. Pain
Patients with small mouths may not have enough room for the third molars to come in. This fact may not stop them from trying though. If you feel pain and pressure in the back of your mouth, it could be your wisdom teeth trying to erupt.
The multi-specialty providers at Sachem Dental Group will take an x-ray to reveal what’s really going on. Sometimes the wisdom tooth is positioned sideways within the jaw bone and it pushes against its neighboring tooth, which is the cause of your pressure and pain.
2. Swelling
While these molars are trying to come in through the bone, swelling can occur around the gums. If left untreated, the inflammation can spread and swelling can be seen in your cheek, on the outside of your face. This can be potentially dangerous, because the swelling can rise up to other areas, such as your eyes. It can even reach down into your throat, restricting your airway.
Swelling with wisdom teeth is not something that should be ignored. It could be a serious infection. Seek professional help with our Long Island dentists right away if you notice any inflammation.
3. Decay
For those few wisdom teeth that do manage to make it through the gums, they’re not in the clear just yet. Third molars are extremely difficult to keep clean because of their location. Lack of proper brushing and flossing will result in these teeth becoming decayed (even if you otherwise have good oral hygiene.)
In fact, it’s not just the wisdom teeth that can get cavities; the decay will spread to the adjacent neighboring teeth as well.
4. Infection
Once the wisdom tooth breaks through, it leaves an opening for bacteria to enter the gum and cause an infection if not flossed daily. Infection can also occur when a third molar is decayed and left untreated. Aggressive periodontal disease or abscessed teeth may be the result.
Symptoms will be like those of swelling and should not be ignored. Antibiotics may be needed to reduce the initial infection, swelling, and get any pain under control.
Know When to See a Dentist
It’s important to know how to recognize potential complications with your wisdom teeth. As soon as you notice any of the above symptoms, contact Sachem Dental Group in Long Island. Routine dental checkups are a great way to help prevent these issues. In teenagers and young adults, we’ll keep an eye on third molars regularly to recommend an extraction if needed.
Don’t subject yourself to the potential and unnecessary pain, swelling, and infection that comes with getting wisdom teeth. Call Sachem Dental Group to schedule your check-up today.
